Traffic Signals and Pavement Markings
Signals
A steady red light means stop before the stop line or crosswalk. Louisiana allows a right turn on red after a complete stop unless a sign prohibits it; you must yield to pedestrians and cross traffic. A left turn on red is allowed only from a one-way street onto another one-way street, where not prohibited. A red arrow prohibits movement in that direction. A steady yellow means the signal is changing; stop if you can do so safely rather than accelerating. Flashing red means stop, then proceed when safe. Flashing yellow means slow down and proceed with caution.
Pavement markings
Yellow lines separate traffic moving in opposite directions. A solid yellow line on your side means no passing; a broken yellow line on your side permits passing when clear. Double solid yellow means no passing in either direction. White lines separate lanes in the same direction and mark crosswalks, stop lines, and road edges. A two-way left-turn lane is marked by yellow lines on both sides and inner arrows; use it only for turning left, not for passing or travel.
Worked example
You approach a steady red light and want to turn right. First stop fully at the stop line, then check for a NO TURN ON RED sign. If none is posted, yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk and to vehicles on the cross street, then turn when clear. A rolling stop is a violation even if no traffic is visible.
Traps
Flashing yellow is not a free pass-it requires caution. A green arrow protects your turn, but a green circle does not. Do not cross a solid white edge line to pass, and do not use a center turn lane as a travel lane.